Matt welcomes author, speaker, coach, and podcaster, Brad Stulberg for a compelling discussion on the nuances of performance and potential pitfalls of "heroic individualism."

Stulberg's latest book, The Practice of Groundedness looks deeply at this character trait through many lenses.

(30:00) Heroic Individualism is the ongoing game of one-upsmanship against self and others where the goalpost is always 10 yards down the field, and you think you’ll eventually arrive and be content, but when you get there you realize you’re not.”

Questions they discuss include:

How can you hold on a little more lightly without sacrificing performance?

(31:00) "If you truly feel confident and grounded where you are, that opens you up to perform more from a place of freedom and from a place of love."

What are some of the pitfalls that have the potential to hold high-performers back?
What is the relationship between grit and the courage to switch things up?

(34:20) “Grit is a really good tool for some circumstances, and switching is a really good tool for other circumstances. Wisdom is learning what tools to use when.”

How can distraction benefit or hurt my performance?
Why is rigid thinking so limiting?
What are your thoughts on a "growth mindset?"

(39:25) “When you narrowly look at growth mindset as a finite game tool, it’s much less powerful than when you look at it as in infinite game tool."

Why should patience be a practiced trait for success?
How do I balance the tension of event chasing vs. embracing the journey?

This is a conversation for anyone seeking sustainable and successful performance with a long-term lens.

(31:45) "The point of our striving should be the striving itself. This is learning to live in the process instead of needing that outcome."

Heroic Individualism can certainly take a toll, but these lessons in groundedness will feed your soul and create a healthier, more sustainable model for success.

Episode Timestamps

0:00-03:10 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

03:10-07:45 Squaddie Update - Ask Matt Anything! Head to the Podcast Page at PurplePatchFitness.com/podcast and leave a concise question for Matt. Tell us your name, where you're from, and ask your question. We'll get to as many as we can in future episodes.